Buying Used Macbook Pro 2015 Advice Tips

[joogle]

Hi - I bought a used Apple Macbook Pro 15.4" Laptop Mjlt2Ll/A last week on eBay and received the unit today. The shipment came with the Macbook Pro and charger only. Seller has over 250+ feedback.

The seller had mentioned it is in excellent condition, and it is in very good condition, only concern is small nick on corner for which I've already taken pictures to share with seller.

Need input/advice on what to check to ensure this is a smooth transaction, this is what I have done:

a) Checked Serial Number, warranty is valid till July 2016, with option to purchase Applecare

b) I chatted with Apple Support to verify hardware information. I went inside About Mac > System Report > Verified all hardware specifications

c) System Report > Checked Battery Cycle Count> It is at 28

d) Verified microphone jack and USB ports using external hard drive.

e) Did 4K video clip test on youtube, looks great. Verified speakers work fine.

f) Ran Apple Diagnostics at Boot, results come fine with no issues/warnings/etc.

g) Did all software updates including OS, no issues.

Still to do:

h) Check all keys on the keyboard, so far seems to be working fine but will have to press each individually to make sure all work.

i) Run dead pixel test on screen, the screen looks great but to double check.

j) Test HDMI port on Macbook Pro


Any other suggestions on what else I should check?

Thanks!

 

[Spink10]

That basically covers it!

Use it! with PayPal you will be covered for 6 months I believe.

 

[joogle]

That basically covers it!

Use it! with PayPal you will be covered for 6 months I believe.

Thanks, my only concern on back of my mind was is there a check for any sort of water/liquid damage without opening any sort of cover. I had thought about taking it to the Apple Store for a check but since I did the Apple Diagnostic check at startup and everything appears good, I think that should suffice.

 

[Spink10]

Ive bought several used rMBP and thought about taking it to apple to check. I haven't. But it probably wouldnt be a bad idea.

 

[joogle]

Ive bought several used rMBP and thought about taking it to apple to check. I haven't. But it probably wouldnt be a bad idea.

Thanks, I think I may schedule that, I suppose I need to setup a Genius Bar appointment, let them know that I bought a used Macbook and ask if they can just run through their diagnostics?

 

[Spink10]

Thanks, I think I may schedule that, I suppose I need to setup a Genius Bar appointment, let them know that I bought a used Macbook and ask if they can just run through their diagnostics?

Yes and specially mentioned what you tested (shows you did what you could) and ask them to do their check and specifically the liquid sensors.

 

[chabig]

I think what you've done is already overkill, but if you want some more ideas...

1. Take it to the Apple store and run it next to another MacBook Pro. Look for the tiniest possible hint of a screen hue that might be different from the store's computer.

2. With a 10X magnifier, check for tiny specks of dust under the LCD.

3. Micro-scratches (need I say more?)

4. Set it halfway off the edge of a table and apply significant pressure to the extended half to see if it bends.

5. Buy a tachometer and verify that the fan speed matches the number reported by iStat Pro.

6. Read all of the MacRumors threads pertaining to MacBooks, iMacs, iPhones, and iPads for further ideas.

 

[whodatrr]

Refurbished MBPs also ship from Apple with just the laptop and power adapter, in a generic brown box.

If you're still concerned about future issues, but AppleCare. Pretty much every Mac I've bought for the last.... Well, at least 25yrs has been an open box or refurb. Heck, I'm waiting on the Skylake 5k iMacs to show up on the refurb list now.

Enjoy it!

 

[joogle]

Yes and specially mentioned what you tested (shows you did what you could) and ask them to do their check and specifically the liquid sensors.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

One more question I have the small nicks on the edge of the laptop, should I share that with the seller now or wait till I fully test, etc. I mean in terms of Genius appointment, the earliest in my area is Sunday. I am wondering if I should let the seller know about the nick not shown in his screen shot, etc., today than waiting.

 

[chabig]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

One more question I have the small nicks on the edge of the laptop, should I share that with the seller now or wait till I fully test, etc. I mean in terms of Genius appointment, the earliest in my area is Sunday. I am wondering if I should let the seller know about the nick not shown in his screen shot, etc., today than waiting.

It's a used machine. You acknowledged that in the first post, and you also said, "...and it is in very good condition". Let it go.

 

[joogle]

It's a used machine. You acknowledged that in the first post, and you also said, "...and it is in very good condition". Let it go.

Yes the only reason I mentioned it because he said excellent condition with no scratches/dings/dents/etc.

 

[chabig]

Yes the only reason I mentioned it because he said excellent condition with no scratches/dings/dents/etc.

I understand. Let me ask this, when you opened the box did you see the nick right away or did you only notice after your detailed inspection. Would someone who is not a Mac aficionado notice? If not, the seller's description was probably appropriate. If so, then he probably exaggerated, as do most sellers of used items of any kind.

It would be interesting to see photos of this machine machine. We can't evaluate your damage without them. But consider that based on what you've posted so far, you might be the type of person that should only purchase new items. It sounds to me like you expect new quality from used devices.

 

[joogle]

I understand. Let me ask this, when you opened the box did you see the nick right away or did you only notice after your detailed inspection. Would someone who is not a Mac aficionado notice? If not, the seller's description was probably appropriate. If so, then he probably exaggerated, as do most sellers of used items of any kind.

It would be interesting to see photos of this machine machine. We can't evaluate your damage without them. But consider that based on what you've posted so far, you might be the type of person that should only purchase new items. It sounds to me like you expect new quality from used devices.

I did notice it at first because i thought it was smudges, after cleaning it i generally looked for bend and dings on the lid, these are the pictures on one side:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/11yb4wlie3youhz/AABKrEivlyxWvw1knZdmi-Z1a?dl=0

 

[chabig]

Those would probably bother, so only buy new/refurbished Macs. If you got a good price I'd still encourage you to overlook them because they are only cosmetic. If you paid a lot and the seller will refund your money it's up to you. Tough decision. Consider Apple returns in the future.

 

[joogle]

Those would probably bother, so only buy new/refurbished Macs. If you got a good price I'd still encourage you to overlook them because they are only cosmetic. If you paid a lot and the seller will refund your money it's up to you. Tough decision. Consider Apple returns in the future.

I will probably send the same pictures to the seller, to see if he can provide some sort of adjustment. I did place a best offer and get a good price which I am satisfied with, but I would have adjusted my best offer to include that slight cosmetic flaw. I mean the unit has a functional warranty till July 2016, which is pretty good with Battery Cycle Count of 28.

My only concern in testing the unit further was to possibly have Apple check any sensors, so was thinking of Genius Bar appointment.

 

[Spink10]

I will probably send the same pictures to the seller, to see if he can provide some sort of adjustment. I did place a best offer and get a good price which I am satisfied with, but I would have adjusted my best offer to include that slight cosmetic flaw. I mean the unit has a functional warranty till July 2016, which is pretty good with Battery Cycle Count of 28.

My only concern in testing the unit further was to possibly have Apple check any sensors, so was thinking of Genius Bar appointment.

That is not excellent - contact seller.

 

[joogle]

That is not excellent - contact seller.

Thanks, I did and let him know that I will be testing the Macbook Pro in more detail this week. I do have a appointment with Apple Store just to run any diagnostic on the machine for Friday, if I can get one earlier I will, hopefully no issues.

The seller did ask me if I was thinking of returning, then stated what he can do, and lastly mentioned whether I would take a snap on cover.

Not sure what option to ask for. He said that he does not recall seeing that before he shipped, but maybe a oversight. I did tell him the box he shipped it in was not that secure though the unit was bubble wrapped so it possibly was oversight.

 

[joogle]

Just a update, I was able to see a open appointment this afternoon at a Apple Store. Made a appointment with the Genius Bar, explained to them this is a used laptop I bought and would like them to run diagnostics. The apple support person understood and was like we can run a whole bunch of tests, he understood that I wanted to ensure it was working and thought it was a good idea.

He ran three test, one was a comprehensive test on all the hardware, then he ran specific test for the storage, and lastly for video.

I told him one main concern I have is to make sure no water/liquid issue, he was like he can go in the back, look in the internals to confirm.

Everything came out great, he said there are no problems with the machine. So that puts me at ease, will definitely keep the unit, just need to address the cosmetic defect with the seller.

 

[biker4mac]

I’m looking at buying a used Mac Pro and am having similar concerns about fully testing it once I have it in my hands. I’d assume that the Genius Bar can do more testing than what is available to the consumer through TechTool Pro or such? Or are they basically doing the same thing as those tests?

 

[joogle]

yes well in genius bar appt, the agent even opened the laptop up to check internals for water damage.

so i was very satisfied, am now even thinking of buying applecare

I’m looking at buying a used Mac Pro and am having similar concerns about fully testing it once I have it in my hands. I’d assume that the Genius Bar can do more testing than what is available to the consumer through TechTool Pro or such? Or are they basically doing the same thing as those tests?

 

[biker4mac]

Well, for a Mac Pro I’m less worried about water damage - and could easily open it up to take a look at the internals.